Just because a study says density is more effective than energy system retrofits in reducing emissions, doesn't mean that we have to settle for just one.
"Densifying cities could cut emissions more than doing energy retrofits on buildings," reports Ben Adler.
Those findings are included in a new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The researchers projected emissions from buildings under different potential urban densities between now and 2050. They found that denser development patterns lead to lower emissions because people live and work in smaller units that consume less energy. Attached buildings are also more efficient for heating and cooling.
Read the full story: You Are My Density
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City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello